A new variant of the Covid-19 virus, named XEC, has emerged in Europe and is spreading rapidly across several countries. First identified in Germany in June 2024, XEC has now been detected in more than 13 countries, raising concerns among public.
The newly discovered variant is a combination of two Omicron subvariants, KS.1.1 and KP.3.3. Each of these subvariants brings unique mutations that contribute to transmissibility and potential impact.
KS.1.1, one of the parent strains, is classified as a FLiRT (Furin-Like Receptor Triad) variant, which has been linked to the recent surge in Covid-19 cases in different parts of the world. FLiRT variants are known for their ability to spread quickly due to modifications in the virus's structure, allowing it to evade certain immune defenses.
On the other hand, KP.3.3 is a type of FLuQE (Flu-Quasi Evolutionary) variant, where a specific mutation occurs in the virus's spike protein. This mutation involves the substitution of the amino acid glutamine with glutamic acid, enhancing the virus's ability to bind to human cells, making it more infectious. The combination of these two subvariants in XEC has made the variant a concern for health officials, as its transmissibility could lead to new outbreaks.
The XEC variant is currently causing flu-like symptoms in those infected, according to reports from the UK National Health Service (NHS). Common symptoms include a high temperature or chills, a persistent cough, changes in the sense of smell or taste, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, and loss of appetite. While these symptoms are like those caused by previous Covid-19 strains, the variant’s potential to spread rapidly is a cause for alarm.
As of now, over 550 samples of the XEC variant have been reported globally, with cases confirmed in 27 countries. Some of the nations affected include Poland, Norway, Luxembourg, Ukraine, Portugal, the United States, and China. Despite its global spread, Europe remains the epicenter of XEC infections, with health authorities closely monitoring the situation.
Experts urge continued vigilance and recommend following public health guidelines, such as vaccination, wearing masks in crowded areas, and regular testing, to mitigate the impact of this new variant.
, Dr Shaiwal Khandelwal, Associate Director, Thoracic Surgery, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket-2_20240918203538_original_image_41.webp)
